The Baltimore Orioles announced their finalized coaching staff for the 2025 season, including the notable hiring of former player Robinson Chirinos as their new bench coach. Chirinos, who played his final MLB season with the Orioles in 2022, had a long career as a catcher, spanning 11 years with teams like the Rays, Rangers, Astros, Mets, and Cubs. This move marks Chirinos’ first coaching role, and the Orioles believe his experience and leadership qualities will contribute to their success under manager Brandon Hyde.
Several other changes to the coaching staff were also made. Cody Asche, formerly the offensive strategy coach, was promoted to hitting coach. Sherman Johnson, who had served as the upper-level Minor League hitting coordinator, was named assistant hitting coach/upper-level hitting coordinator. Additionally, Buck Britton, who had been managing Triple-A Norfolk, was elevated to a Major League coaching position. Tommy Joseph, who worked as an assistant hitting coach for the Mariners in 2024, was hired as an assistant hitting coach for the Orioles.
Other key members of the coaching staff will return from the previous season, including pitching coach Drew French, pitching strategy coach Ryan Klimek, third-base coach Tony Mansolino, and assistant pitching coach Mitch Plassmeyer. Additionally, Major League development coach Grant Anders and Major League field coordinator Tim Cossins will also continue their roles with the team.
Chirinos’ promotion to bench coach comes after the departure of Fredi Gonzalez, who spent five years with the Orioles, including three as the bench coach. Although Chirinos has no prior coaching experience, the Orioles had high regard for him during his playing days, and manager Brandon Hyde believes he has the potential to be an effective coach. The hiring also reflects the team’s confidence in Chirinos’ leadership and ability to contribute to the development of young players.
Another noteworthy addition is Britton, who spent the past three seasons as Triple-A Norfolk’s manager, leading the team to an International League title and the Triple-A National Championship in 2023. Britton, the older brother of former Orioles closer Zack Britton, is now transitioning to his first role in the big leagues.
He will work with several players he coached at Norfolk, including highly regarded prospects like Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday. This coaching shakeup follows the departures of co-hitting coaches Matt Borgschulte and Ryan Fuller, who moved on to positions with other teams. The Orioles will now look to continue their success, aiming for a third consecutive postseason appearance after winning the AL East in 2023 and securing a wild-card berth in 2024.
